§1356 Documentary, registry and manning requirements

Summary

Within six months after September 18, 1978, the Secretary in charge of the Coast Guard must write rules that do three things for vessels, rigs, platforms, and similar structures used under this part. After a one-year period starting when those rules take effect, any such craft that is built or rebuilt after that one-year period must be documented under U.S. law if U.S. law requires it. They must meet minimum design, construction, alteration, and repair standards set by the Secretary. They must be crewed by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, subject to the exceptions below. The design and construction rules do not apply to craft built before September 18, 1978 until they are rebuilt. The crew rule does not apply if existing contracts or registry rules on September 18, 1978 say otherwise, if there are not enough qualified U.S. citizens or permanent residents available, if the President finds it would harm the national interest for a particular craft, or if more than 50% of the craft is owned or effectively controlled by citizens of a foreign nation (unless the President finds that that foreign government has its own national manning requirement).